My guidebooks and further wanderings

Melbourne’s Fabulous Dog Beaches

As our extended summer in Melbourne draws to a close, I am just finishing the chapter of Off Leash Dog Beaches for the Melbourne for Dogs book. What a trial that has been for my co-author and I. We both just hate having to walk barefoot along the sandy beaches of Port Philip Bay on sunny days, with views all the way to the Peninsula and daily sunsets to set the heart singing. Indie particularly hates having to roll in the sand and dig holes and jump over the (mini) waves to play with all the other very happy dogs. What a drag. Our favourite, thanks to its proximity to home, is St Kilda West Beach, with it’s huge piles of dog-friendly new sand being pushed out to help build the extension to St Kilda marina. Brighton dog beach is the place to go on Sundays when every man/woman and his dog (literally) is out there to enjoy the views and the company. But today we’re heading over to the Altona dog beach, in Melbourne’s west, aiming for low tide when there are endless stretches of flat sand revealed for dogs and their owners to stretch their legs on. In fact, the shallow, calm waters of Port Phillip – the bane of tourists looking for a decent wave – make for fantastic waters for dogs, and the many off-leash beaches available around the Bay feature extensive sand flats and shallow waters at low tide perfect for bounding through and wallowing in. Life’s good if you’re lucky enough to be a dog in Melbourne!

Hi Kirsten – according to Hobsons Bay Council guidelines, dogs are only allowed on leash on Altona Beach between Romawi and Mount Streets, but not at all from 10am to 930pm from 1st of November to end of April. However, they ARE allowed off-leash all year round just a bit further along at the fabulous Burns Reserve (Melways 55 B9), which borders the Altona Coastal Park and has wonderful flat sands at low tide, which dogs just love. Restrictions can change though, so best to check Hobson’s Bay Local Laws Unit if you are unsure on 03 9932 1000. They also have lots of other reserves in the council area which are off leash all year round: http://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Animals/Dog_off-leash_locations – hope that helps.

went to Brighton and was disappointed it was a complete hole!! there was rubbish everywhere and the water was way to close to the wharf thus totally pouted with petrol and fish bait it stank! and there was flies every where! I went in the water with my pooch and came home with a rash absolutely disappointing that the area allocated for dogs is an area no one would want to go!! not good enough!

Well that’s a pretty terrible experience for you AND your dog, Kim! The inner beaches certainly vary in terms of quality in my experience, usually linked to the wind, tide, time of year,and particularly if it has rained recently, washing a lot of gunk out of the sewers into the Bay. The problems of beaches lined by high density urban areas. I was down at West beach in St Kilda with Indie yesterday and it was VERY low tide – the tiny corner near the creek outlet was smelly, but the rest was lovely and the water and sand really clean. However, on days like this, I’d recommend just heading a couple of miles further south to Sandridge Beach or west to the dog beach at Seaholme Bay beach – it’s fabulous. J

Having two labradors knowing where a good dog friendly beach is very important and where frequent visitors to Brighton Dog Beach. We love going and meeting all the dog owners. Can’t wait to buy your book 🙂 Ros, Milo & Jet

I’m with you, Ros, Milo and Jet – my dog goes mad on the beach – just loves to run in huge circles for the joy of it! My book should be available in your local bookstore, or any online store by now – if it’s not in your store you can just ask them to order it in for you. Some of the pet shops will be stocking it soon too. Let me know how you find it when you start using it! Julie & Indie